Sea storms to International triumph

Sea The Stars enhanced his reputation as a modern great with another brilliant Group One victory in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York.

In what was essentially a match with Mastercraftsman, the pair drew readily clear of the Ballydoyle pacemakers halfway up the home straight as the battle commenced in earnest.

While Mastercraftsman was first to play his cards and briefly looked as though he might cause an upset, Sea The Stars (1-4 favourite) gradually engaged top gear and went past under Mick Kinane to score by a cosy length.

Trainer John Oxx said: "They probably went a steady pace and of course Mastercraftsman is no tourist. He took it to him there at the end and just made him work.

"He's just had to fight a bit and he only just does enough, but as long as he keeps winning we won't worry."

Kinane added: "I asked him to go and quicken up between the two Ballydoyle pacemakers, which was probably a bit risky, but I wanted to follow Johnny (Murtagh, on Mastercraftsman) through.

"So I let him quicken up and then eased him down. Then Johnny quickened and found a couple of lengths and his horse has run a hell of a race.

"Just a combination of those things made it more difficult than maybe it should have been."

Delighted owner Christopher Tsui said: "I'm feeling great. It did look in doubt for a second, but I saw Mick and he was just waiting and waiting for the right moment. It was just unbelievable to watch that."

Aidan O'Brien said of Mastercraftsman: "This fellow loves to get into a battle, but Mick rode a brilliant race on Sea The Stars. It was a great race and the winner is a great horse."